County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – Have a safe and enjoyable 4^th of July weekend! Please be advised that the free Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University will be closed on Monday, July 5.

The Test Center will be open for regularly scheduled hours on Thursday, July 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Please note that the Test Center operates on a walk-up basis with free parking available on site for those arriving by car. Visitors will use a self-administered swab test supervised by a health professional.

To book an appointment at the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/covid19 online or call 908-214-7107.  Walk-ins without an appointment will be served as time allows, and must arrive ½-hour before the site closes.

To get a free, single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine this weekend, come to Union County’s pop-up vaccine clinic at the Independence Day festivities on Saturday evening, July 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Shady Rest Country Club, at 820 Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains. Any Union County resident can use the pop-up clinic free of charge.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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New operation is expected to save Union County more than $103 million over five years while ensuring continued care of incarcerated persons.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the completion of an agreement with Essex County, under which incarcerated persons from Union County will be housed at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark. The transition of operations was completed at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2021. Union County expects to save more than $103 million over five years as a result of the transition.

The Union County Correctional Facility in Elizabeth will continue to operate as an intake hub and temporary detention facility. Shuttle buses are available to transport those wishing to visit persons incarcerated at the Essex County facility.

“The agreement with Essex County will result in a significant savings to Union County, and it reflects trends in criminal justice that support fairness and social stability,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I would like to thank all those involved for ensuring that the transition progressed smoothly and on schedule.”

“Because the number of persons incarcerated at the Union County jail has decreased dramatically in recent years, the new operation will result in a substantially more efficient use of public funds,” said Union County Manager Edward T. Oatman. “We have also worked diligently to minimize disruption to staff as they transition to new employment.”

Due to social trends and public policies that have reduced the number of incarcerated persons in Union County and New Jersey, the number of individuals housed at the Union County jail fell nearly 67 percent over the past ten years, from a population of more than 1,000 down to 345 at the beginning of 2021. In combination with other factors, the result has been a sharp increase in the cost-per-inmate of housing prisoners at the facility.

Prior to the transition, a total of 243 persons were employed at the jail including Corrections Officers and civilian personnel. Approximately 53 Corrections Officers and civilians remain employed at the Union County Jail for its hub operations, which will operate 365 days a year.

The five-year memorandum of agreement the County of Union has approved with Essex County to provide jail services has an option for renewal. In addition, the Union County Department of Corrections will become a division of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

The agreement with Essex County is part of the Commissioner Board’s ongoing efforts to respond to significant changes in the criminal justice system, resulting in a more effective use of public funds.

In 2019, Union County also closed its Juvenile Detention Center, saving $24.6 million a year, sending its detainees to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to invite children age 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, to attend the new “Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park” series, every Wednesday evening in the month of July from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Special Needs Night at Wheeler Park series has been organized through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Union County Department of Human Services.

“The Special Needs Night series provides an opportunity for children and their care givers to connect and have fun,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It provides a safe space for families with special needs, and it supports our goal of providing inclusive, welcoming environments for all County residents.”

The series kicks off on Wednesday, July 7 at Wheeler Spray Park, located at 234 West Stimpson Avenue in Linden.

The event is free but pre-registration is required online for each child through the Union County events registration page. To register, visit secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog and scroll to “Recreation Programs for People with Special Needs.”

“The Union County Commissioners are excited to bring this wonderful event back and create a series for families with special needs,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “We continue to strive for inclusivity throughout our County programming and we are proud to support the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in presenting recreational programs that are accessible to all residents.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to spend the evening in Union County’s 11,000-square-foot water playground, Wheeler Spray Park, packed with over 30 attractions including a waterfall, pirate ship, water sprinklers, slides, sprayers, and even a giant water serpent.

The next three events in the Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park series are:

July 14 at 6:30 p.m.

July 21 at 6:30 p.m.

July 28 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park, and all recreation programs for people with special needs and disabilities, visit ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs or call 908-527-4781.

For information on all programs and services of the Union County Department of Human Services visit ucnj.org/dhs.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The best way to protect against the COVID-19 virus is to get vaccinated, and Union County’s series of free pop-up vaccination clinics makes it easy and convenient. The next two clinics will be held just before Independence Day, at local fireworks celebrations in Roselle Park on July 1, and in Scotch Plains on July 3.

Any Union County resident can use either of these pop-up clinics.

“The COVID-19 virus is still active, and it can still cause serious illness or death among people who are not vaccinated,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage everyone to take this simple step to protect themselves, and help stamp out this pandemic once and for all.”

Union County health professionals will staff the two pop-up clinic tents and administer doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Only one dose is required; no return visit is needed.

• The Roselle Park clinic will be available on Thursday, July 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at 214 West Colfax Avenue.
• The Scotch Plains clinic will be available from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the historic Shady Rest Golf Club, 182 Jerusalem Road.

Any Union County resident age 18 and older can make an appointment to use either of the pop-up clinics by booking online at ucnj.org/vax, or by calling the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7829.

Union County also operates three permanent vaccination clinics in at the Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth, at Kean University in Union Township, and at Plainfield High School in Plainfield. Appointments can be booked at all three clinics online at ucnj.org/vax, or by calling 908-613-7829.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Update August 3, 2022: For details about the 2022-23 Master Tree Stewards program, including a downloadable application form, click here or contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz, at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents are invited to join the 4-H Master Tree Stewards of Union County this fall. Members of this all-volunteer group receive expert training in tree identification, ecology, and biology, and they put this knowledge to use by providing interactive lessons about tress and the environment to local children.

No previous experience is required.

“Our Master Tree Stewards play an important role in our conservation efforts and have inspired countless Union County youth to care for our environment,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Commissioners is very proud to support this program.”

Each volunteer Master Tree Steward will be trained by experts from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. In-person training begins September 8th and primarily consists of guided educational walks in nature preserves across New Jersey.

In the spring, Master Tree Stewards visit 4th grade classrooms in Union County to teach students about the importance of tress to the environment. No previous teaching experience is necessary, and the Extension provides a lesson kit and teaching support.

Master Tree Stewards also participate in other community service projects. Earlier this month, a group of volunteers created a new “tree trail” in Rahway River Park. Visitors to the park can use QR codes posted on trees of distinction to find out more about each tree. The Tree Stewards have also created tree trails in nine other County parks.

To join the Master Tree Stewards, or for more information, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The 4-H Master Tree Stewards program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. Supported in part by the Board of Commissioners with offices in Westfield, the Union County Extension is part of a nationwide public outreach initiative coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more information about other Extension programs in Union County, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and volunteer activities, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

COVID-19 safety rules apply; free drive-in event is open to all Union County residents for shredding personal documents.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the next free shredding event of 2021 will be held in Rahway on Thursday, July 8 for the safe, secure disposal and recycling of personal and confidential documents. All documents are shredded on site and the shredded paper is recycled by a licensed recycler. Residents must bring their documents to the shredding site by car; no walk-ups are admitted.

The July 8 shredding event will take place in Rahway River Park. The main entrance to the park is off of St. Georges Avenue in Rahway, and signs will be posted with directions to the shredding site.

The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. rain or shine. It will close prior to 1:00 p.m. if the shredding trucks reach capacity.

“Union County’s free document shredding program help residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred confidential documents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella “It also promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with other green initiatives in Union County.”

Union County’s free document shredding program visits locations throughout Union County every month from March to November. Any resident of Union County can bring their personal documents to any of these events, regardless of their home town.

Participants are reminded that pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper is not accepted at these events. Non-accepted paper should be discarded at home, with regular household waste.

For everyone’s safety, participants must wear a face covering and remain in their vehicles at all times, with their windows rolled up.

Materials should be placed in the trunk or other area easily accessible by staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

Documents should be removed from any bindings. Plastic or metal clips and other non-paper items should also be removed.

In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per vehicle. Preferably, documents should be brought in paper bags.

The shredding program is intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents should recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program.

The next two shredding events will take place at Kean University in Union Township on August 14, and Union County College in Cranford on September 18. For a complete schedule visit ucnj.org/recycling/mobile-paper-shredding.

For more information on the free paper shredding program and other recycling events and services hosted by Union County visit ucnj.org/recycle, or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

The free paper shredding program is funded through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County to build first-of-its-kind inclusive LGBTQ+ affirming park space

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners officially broke ground today on the County’s first inclusive LGBTQ+ affirming park space. The new park space will be located within Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

“We know that fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness increases the quality of life for individuals. This new park space has been intentionally conceived and thoughtfully designed to create an affirming and safe environment for LGBTQ+ people and others who support equity and inclusion, and strive to normalize acceptance,”  said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The new park builds on Union County’s ongoing series of yoga classes for all ages, women’s wellbeing workshops, and other County programs and facilities that provide a welcoming, restorative community environment for residents and visitors. By reaching out to LGBTQ individuals, the new park supports the Commissioner Board’s goals for diversity and inclusion in County parks and throughout Union County, and it recognizes the positive effect on public health and wellness.

“Incorporating opportunities to encourage diversity and inclusion in our everyday lives is essential,” said County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “We are happy that this will be a space for all members of the Union County family to meditate, congregate and enjoy year round and we look forward to the completion of this project.”

Studies reported by The Trevor Project, SAGE, GLAAD, GLSEN and other leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations show that lack of physical and social activity opportunities contributes to the health disparities across LGBTQ+ individuals. LGBTQ+ people are at elevated risk for poor mental and physical health compared with straight/cisgender peers. Because this risk is related to social stigma, discrimination and the harmful ways LGBTQ+ people are treated, and not being LGBTQ in itself, increased acceptance and affirmation can reduce health risks. All individuals that identify as LGBTQ+ deserve access to spaces that positively and emphatically affirm their LGBTQ+ identity.

A special initiative of Chairman Mirabella, the new park space is slated to open in October, just in time for LGBTQ History Month and will be located in Cedar Brook Park north of Randolph Road, across from the Women’s History Icon trail and the historical Shakespeare Garden. Among the features within the park, will be:

• a walking trail to be lined with historical placards
• an inclusive playground with intergenerational attractions, with sensory friendly and ADA compliant elements including a variety of expression swings, traditional playground equipment and activity panels centered around auditory and musical expression
• the first meditation maze in Union County, one of at least two planned spaces designed for reflection and meditation
• wildflower garden along the brook
• an outdoor stage for performances
• a resource kiosk with information on programs and services available

The Commissioner Board established the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs to provide a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and to serve as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. For more information on Union County Pride Month events and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, please contact Danni Newbury, Office Coordinator, at dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit online at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

 For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.